• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.690-693
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• 2003

Soft x-ray microscopy provides a unique set of capabilities in-between those of visible light and electron microscopy. It has long been recognized that nature provides a 'water window' spectral region between the K shell x-ray absorption edges of carbon (~290eV) and oxygen (~540eV), where organic materials show strong absorption and phase contrast, while water is relatively non-absorbing. This enables imaging of hydrated biological specimens that are several microns thick with high intrinsic contrast using x-rays with a wavelength of 2.3~4.4nm. Soft X-ray microscopy is therefore well suited to the study of specimens like single biological cells. The most direct advantage of X-ray microscope is their high spatial resolution when compared with visible light microscopes, combined with an ability to image hydrated specimens that are several microns with a minimum of preparation. Our study describes the conceptual design of soft x-ray microscope system based on a laser-based source for biomedical application with high resolution ($\leq$50nm) and short exposure time ($\leq$30sec).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.23-30
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• 2008

X-ray microscopy with synchrotron radiation(SR) might be a useful tool for novel x-ray imaging in the clinical and laboratory settings. Microscopically, it enables us to observe detailed structure of animal organs samples with a great magnification power and an excellent resolution. The phase contrast mechanisms in image by X-ray are described. The phase-contrast X-ray imaging with SR from in-vivo and in-vitro mouse tail, rat nerve and rat lung were obtained with an 8 KeV monochromatic beam. The visual image was magnified using 10x microscope objective lens and captured using an digital CCD camera. The results showed more structural details and high resolution images with SR imaging system than conventional X-ray radiography system. The SR imaging system may have a potential for imaging in biological researches, material applications and clinical radiography.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.773-780
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• 2020

With the development of the 4th industrial, research is being conducted to prevent diseases and reduce damage in various fields of science and technology such as medicine, health, and bio. As a result, artificial intelligence technology has been introduced and researched for image analysis of radiological examinations. In this paper, we will directly apply a deep learning model for classification and detection of pneumonia using chest X-ray images, and evaluate whether the deep learning model of the Inception series is a useful model for detecting pneumonia. As the experimental material, a chest X-ray image data set provided and shared free of charge by Kaggle was used, and out of the total 3,470 chest X-ray image data, it was classified into 1,870 training data sets, 1,100 validation data sets, and 500 test data sets. I did. As a result of the experiment, the result of metric evaluation of the Inception V3 deep learning model was 94.80% for accuracy, 97.24% for precision, 94.00% for recall, and 95.59 for F1 score. In addition, the accuracy of the final epoch for Inception V3 deep learning modeling was 94.91% for learning modeling and 89.68% for verification modeling for pneumonia detection and classification of chest X-ray images. For the evaluation of the loss function value, the learning modeling was 1.127% and the validation modeling was 4.603%. As a result, it was evaluated that the Inception V3 deep learning model is a very excellent deep learning model in extracting and classifying features of chest image data, and its learning state is also very good. As a result of matrix accuracy evaluation for test modeling, the accuracy of 96% for normal chest X-ray image data and 97% for pneumonia chest X-ray image data was proven. The deep learning model of the Inception series is considered to be a useful deep learning model for classification of chest diseases, and it is expected that it can also play an auxiliary role of human resources, so it is considered that it will be a solution to the problem of insufficient medical personnel. In the future, this study is expected to be presented as basic data for similar studies in the case of similar studies on the diagnosis of pneumonia using deep learning.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.83-91
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• 2017

In this work, we investigated the recently proposed phase-contrast x-ray imaging (PCXI) technique, the so-called single grid-based PCXI, which has great simplicity and minimal requirements on the setup alignment. It allows for imaging of smaller features and variations in the examined sample than conventional attenuation-based x-ray imaging with lower x-ray dose. We performed a systematic simulation using a simulation platform developed by us to investigate the image characteristics. We also performed a preliminary PCXI experiment using an established a table-top setup to demonstrate the performance of the simulation platform. The system consists of an x-ray tube ($50kV_p$, 5 mAs), a focused-linear grid (200-lines/inch), and a flat-panel detector ($48-{\mu}m$ pixel size). According to our results, the simulated contrast of phase images was much enhanced, compared to that of the absorption images. The scattering length scale estimated for a given simulation condition was about 117 nm. It was very similar, at least qualitatively, to the experimental contrast, which demonstrates the performance of the simulation platform. We also found that the level of the phase gradient of oriented structures strongly depended on the orientation of the structure relative to that of linear grids.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.11 no.7
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• pp.663-669
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• 2017

In diagnostic medical imaging, it is essential to reduce the scattered radiation for the high medical image quality and low patient dose. Therefore, in this study, the influence of the scattered radiation on medical images was analyzed as the tube voltage increases. For this purpose, ANSI chest phantom was used to measure the scattering ratio, and the scattering effect on the image quality was investigated by RMS evaluation, RSD and NPS analysis. It was found that the scattering ratio with increasing x-ray tube voltage gradually increased to 48.8% at 73 kV tube voltage and to 80.1% at 93 kV tube voltage. As a result of RMS analysis for evaluating the image quality, RMS value according to increase of tube voltage was increased, resulting in low image quality. Also, the NPS value at 2.5 lp/mm spatial frequency was increased by 20% when the tube voltage was increased by 93 kV compared to the tube voltage of 73 kV. From this study, it can be seen that the scattering radiation have a significant effect on the image quality according to the increase of x-ray tube voltage. The results of this study can be used as basic data for the improvement of medical imaging quality.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2007.06a
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• pp.330-330
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• 2007

Polycrystalline mercuric iodide $HgI_2$) films are being developed as a new detector technology for digital x-ray imaging. The $HgI_2$ is generally vacuum deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) process. But the PVD thick deposition has been caused any instability in the biasing due to any defects or cracks. In this work we present a new particle-in-binder (PIB) methodologies used for the $HgI_2$ thick films. These growth techniques can be easily extended to produce much larger film areas. This paper, for the first time, presents results and comparison of polycrystalline $HgI_2$ films derived by various PIB methods. We investigated the structural and morphological properties of the films using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The films were characterized with respect to their electrical properties and in response to x-ray photons. Physical and electrical results were also compared between conventional polycrystalline PVD and our detectors. Leakage current as low as $350\;pA/cm^2$ at the bias voltage of ~ 200 V has been observed. And high sensitivity and good linearity in the response to x-rays was obtained in the film derived by PIB sedimentation method. Our future efforts will concentrate on optimization of film growth techniques for uniform large area deposition on image readout arrays.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.211-215
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the kV on fractal dimension of trabecular bone in digital radiographs. Materials and Methods: 16 bone cores were obtained from patients who had taken partial resection of tibia due to accidents. Each bone core along with an aluminum step wedge was radiographed with an occlusal film at 0.08 sec and with the constant film-focus distance (32 cm). All radiographs were acquired at 60, 75, and 90 kV. A rectangular ROI was drawn at medial part, distal part, and the bone defect area of each bone core image according to each kV. The directional fractal dimension was measured using Fourier Transform spectrum, and the anisotropy was obtained using directional fractal dimension. The values were compared by the repeated measures ANOVA. Results : The fractal dimensions increased along with kV increase (p < 0.05). The anisotropy measurements did not show statistically significant difference according to kV change. The fractal dimensions of the bone defect areas of the bone cores have low values contrast to the non-defect areas of the bone cores. The anisotropy measurements of the bone defect areas were lower than those of the non-defect areas of the bone cores, but not statistically significant. Conclusion: Fractal analysis can notice a difference of a change of voltage of x-ray tube and bone defect or not. And anisotropy of a trabecular bone is coherent even with change of the voltage of x-ray tube or defecting off a part of bone.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.485-490
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• 2003

Complete understanding of the exterior and interior structure of the tooth would be prerequisite to the successful clinical results, especially in the restorative and endodontic treatment. Although three-dimensional reconstruction method using x-ray microtomography could not be used in clinical cases, it may be the best way to reconstruct the morphologic characteristics of the tooth structure in detail without destructing the tooth itself. This study was done to three dimensionally reconstruct every teeth in the arch in order to increase the understanding about the endodontic treatment and to promote the effective restorative treatment by upgrading the knowledge of the tooth morphology. After placing tooth between the microfocus x-ray tube and the image intensifier to obtain two-dimensional images of each level. scanning was done under the condition of 80 keV, $100{\;}\mu\textrm{m}$, 16.8 magnification with the spot size of $8{\;}\mu\textrm{m}$. Cross-section pixel size of $16.28{\;}\mu\textrm{m}$ and 48.83 cross-section to cross-section distance were also used. From the results of this study, precise three dimensional reconstructed images of every teeth could be obtained. Furthermore, it was possible to see image that showed interested area only, for example. enamel portion only, pulp and dentin area without enamel structure, pulp only, combination image of enamel and pulp, etc. It was also possible to see transparent image without some part of tooth structure. This image might be used as a guide when restoring and preparing the full and partial crown by showing the positional and morphological relationship between the pulp and the outer tooth structure. Another profit may be related with the fact that it would promote the understanding of the interior structure by making observation of the auto-rotating image of AVI file from the various direction possible.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.160-167
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• 2015

Radiation exposure from medical diagnostic imaging procedures to patients is one of the most significant interests in diagnostic x-ray system. A miniature x-ray intraoral tube was developed for the first time in the world which can be inserted into the mouth for imaging. Dose evaluation should be carried out in order to utilize such an imaging device for clinical use. In this study, dose evaluation of the new x-ray unit was performed by 1) using a custom made in vivo Pig phantom, 2) determining exposure condition for the clinical use, and 3) measuring patient dose of the new system. On the basis of DRLs (Diagnostic Reference Level) recommended by KDFA (Korea Food & Drug Administration), the ESD (Entrance Skin Dose) and DAP (Dose Area Product) measurements for the new x-ray imaging device were designed and measured. The maximum voltage and current of the x-ray tubes used in this study were 55 kVp, and 300 mA. The active area of the detector was $72{\times}72mm$ with pixel size of $48{\mu}m$. To obtain the operating condition of the new system, pig jaw phantom images showing major tooth-associated tissues, such as clown, pulp cavity were acquired at 1 frame/sec. Changing the beam currents 20 to $80{\mu}A$, x-ray images of 50 frames were obtained for one beam current with optimum x-ray exposure setting. Pig jaw phantom images were acquired from two commercial x-ray imaging units and compared to the new x-ray device: CS 2100, Carestream Dental LLC and EXARO, HIOSSEN, Inc. Their exposure conditions were 60 kV, 7 mA, and 60 kV, 2 mA, respectively. Comparing the new x-ray device and conventional x-ray imaging units, images of the new x-ray device around teeth and their neighboring tissues turn out to be better in spite of its small x-ray field size. ESD of the new x-ray device was measured 1.369 mGy on the beam condition for the best image quality, 0.051 mAs, which is much less than DRLs recommended by IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and KDFA, both. Its dose distribution in the x-ray field size was observed to be uniform with standard deviation of 5~10 %. DAP of the new x-ray device was $82.4mGy*cm^2$ less than DRL established by KDFA even though its x-ray field size was small. This study shows that the new x-ray imaging device offers better in image quality and lower radiation dose compared to the conventional intraoral units. In additions, methods and know-how for studies in x-ray features could be accumulated from this work.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2002.11a
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• pp.391-394
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• 2002

There has recently been much interest and research in developing digital x-ray systems based on using amorphous selenium(a-Se) photoconductors as the image receptor. The amorphous selenium layer that is currently being studied for use as an x-ray photoconductor is not pure a-Se but rather amorphous selenium alloyed with arsenic. We fabricated samples using the selenium and arsenic alloy with various concentrations of the arsenic. In this work, x-ray photoconductor using amorphous selenium alloyed with arsenic were fabricated with different concentrations of the arsenic (0.1 wt.%, 0.3wt.%, 0.5wt.%, 1wt.%, 1.5wt.%, 3wt.%, 5wt.%). The seven kind of samples was fabricated with a-Se alloyed with arsenic through vacuum thermal evaporation. We also investigate the arsenic concentration dependence on the device performance in radiation detector. The electric characteristics of radiation detector devices with changing additive ratio of the arsenic is performed by measuring the x-ray induced photocurrent and integrating it over time to find the total charge. The thickness of a-Se is $100{\mu}m$. Bias voltages $3V/{\mu}m$, $6V/{\mu}m$， $9V/{\mu}m$ are applied at the samples. As results, the net charge of a-Se 0.3% As sample is $526.0pC/mR/cm^2$ at $9V/{\mu}m$ bias. The net charge is decreased as with the increasing additive ratio of arsenic.